Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for the resumption of meetings in the 3+3 regional consultative platform, which unites Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia with Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Speaking at MGIMO, Lavrov recalled that the initiative was launched by Turkey and Azerbaijan and stressed that now is the right time to restart the format.

“We had several meetings at the ministerial level two years ago. There were also meetings at the deputy ministerial level. Now we believe it’s time to resume [this format]. Our Iranian neighbors support these processes, and Turkey and Azerbaijan, as I said, were the initiators of this platform,” Lavrov said, expressing hope that the meetings will restart soon. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Sputnik Armenia that Yerevan has no information yet on the dates or venue of the next ministerial meeting. However, Deputy FM Vahan Kostanyan had earlier noted that it could take place in either Yerevan or Baku. The MFA confirmed Armenia’s readiness to host the meeting, while Azerbaijan has also made a similar offer.

Lavrov previously announced alongside Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan that preparations were underway for the third ministerial meeting of the 3+3 format, suggesting that the next two gatherings be held in Baku and Yerevan. While Georgia has so far refrained from joining, other participants have repeatedly stated that the “door remains open” for Tbilisi. The most recent meeting of the platform with Armenian participation took place in Istanbul in October 2024.